Page 13 of A Wild Spinster for the Duke
She crossed her arms, her skepticism evident. “Foolproof, you say? I’m not so sure. Remember the last time you promised a foolproof plan? We ended up hiding in a hedge for hours!”
Hector chuckled, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “Ah, but that was an adventure, wasn’t it? And it did lead to that rather exciting encounter with the Duchess’s poodle…”
Bridget couldn’t help but laugh at the memory. “All right. I’ll entertain your idea, but only if you promise that this time we won’t end up in a hedge or chased by any more poodles.”
He rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Always so quick with your witty remarks. Now hush.”
After a pause for dramatic effect, he grinned. “I believe we all should play a game.”
Bridget squinted at him suspiciously. “A game, you say? What sort of game are you conjuring up in that mischievous mind of yours?”
He let out a loud laugh. “Why, a game wherein a small, round ball is struck with a mallet through a high arch of iron, and whoever ends up with the fewest blows, or at the number agreed on, wins.”
Bridget raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Pall Mall?”
“Why not? It’s easy, and it’s a nice opportunity to bond. We could split into teams, as is the common Fadden way. That would really get everyone communicating for sure.”
“Well, it does sound rather harmless.” She cracked a smile as she went on, “I suppose I can indulge your whimsical idea, Brother.”
Hector beamed with satisfaction. “Ah, I knew you’d agree! You see, the elder brother always knows best.”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, spare me your wisdom.”
A bit later, they all gathered in the garden with the exception of their parents, who had chosen to leave the youth to the game. Bridget found this fortunate, as she could fully immerse herself in the game without her father’s judgmental eyes.
As she approached the Duke and Olivia, she gave the latter a warm smile. “It has been a while since we last crossed paths. I trust you’ve managed to keep yourself entertained around the house?”
Olivia returned the smile, her eyes twinkling with delight. “Indeed, Lady Bridget. The house has been welcoming, thank you.”
With reluctance, Bridget then turned her attention to the stoic Duke. She nodded politely, acknowledging his presence.
“Your Grace,” she greeted with a hint of formality.
Abel returned the gesture, his tone equally formal. “Lady Bridget.”
The atmosphere instantly filled with awkwardness and slight tension, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily in the air.
At last, Hector cleared his throat and cut through with a lighthearted remark. “Well, let’s not let any stiffness dampen our spirits. We’re all here! Shall we begin then?”
With his jovial interruption, the tension dissipated, quickly replaced by a renewed sense of enthusiasm. The group exchanged smiles, nods, and murmurs of agreement.
With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he gathered their attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, it is time to form our teams!” he declared, his voice carrying through the garden.
“For this joint game, I hereby appoint myself as the referee.” A playful smirk danced on his lips as he continued, “And, of course, it seems only fitting to unite our famed lovebirds in one team.”
As Olivia and Elliot exchanged adoring smiles, Bridget couldn’t help but share in their joy, her smile lifting her spirits. However, her happiness was short-lived as a realization quickly set in.
To her dismay, Hector’s next announcement confirmed what she had feared. “And for our second team, we have Lady Bridget and, of course, you, Your Grace.”
Bridget knew her brother’s plan was to mend the relationship between her and the Duke, but she wasn’t interested in getting that friendly just yet.
Horror flashed across her face as she spoke up, her voice tinged with desperation, “Perhaps I could be the referee instead or… or… switch teams.”
Abel scoffed, his tone dripping with arrogance. “Do you doubt my abilities, Lady Bridget? Do you think me incapable of playing the game correctly?” His words were laced with defiance, challenging her to question his skills.
“I believe I never made such a statement, Your Grace. It seems you are fabricating statements in my name.” Bridget’s eyes blazed as she turned to face him.
“Perhaps the truth is that you’re the one who believes your playing skills to be lacking. And in that case, who am I to put pressure on you?”
